Letter to the Editor: Severance fee foe

In an April 2 editorial (“Markets will support new gas tax”) The Times-Tribune continues its obsession with a massive energy tax increase that would cost good-paying Pennsylvania jobs, increase energy costs for consumers and severely undercut the state’s economic competitiveness.

We agree that Pennsylvania sits atop what is perhaps the world’s second-largest natural gas resource in the Marcellus Shale and that this resource has the opportunity to rewrite the state’s manufacturing future and create long-term economic growth. Following a policy course, however, of higher energy taxes, regulatory delays and additional burdensome red tape will not move Pennsylvania forward.

Pennsylvania’s current natural gas impact fee equates to a 9 percent tax — a critical fact left out of the editorial. This tax — in addition to Pennsylvania having the nation’s second-highest corporate net income tax — has raised more than $1 billion in new revenue for communities, state programs and environmental projects.

A massive energy tax increase would make Pennsylvania the highest-taxed energy state — adding to the cost of new regulations on the industry — and drive investment elsewhere. From regulatory logjams to unnecessary regulatory burdens and energy tax hikes, Pennsylvania does more to drive investment away than welcome it.

If lawmakers are serious about realizing the benefits of natural gas, they should focus on common-sense policies aimed at attracting investment to Pennsylvania instead of discouraging it.

DAVID SPIGELMYERMARCELLUS SHALE COALITION

Workforce Development

Pennsylvania has a workforce problem - a growing skills gap that is making it difficult for employers to find qualified job candidates to fill open positions. We're fighting to close this gap by working with businesses, educators, students and their families to help build the skilled workforce of tomorrow.

Responsible State Spending

Government should operate within its means: evaluating the effectiveness of current programs; weeding out waste, fraud and abuse in spending; and investing wisely in worthy state-run programs that directly benefit taxpayers.

Stop New Energy Taxes

Our natural gas industry holds the promise of economic growth and job creation. Additional taxes hinder this opportunity and drive companies to states with friendlier tax climates that share our resources. We're fighting against proposed new taxes on the industry that would pay for more state spending.